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[Cheep Cheep there is a bird scratching at Alvin's window with a letter clasped firmly in its beak.]

I have a business proposition to make. Perhaps we can meet at the Square at midday? The noon meal will be my treat. I look forward to your response; kindly indicate on this letter and pass it to the bird; it will return it to me.

Edited 2015-02-16 05:37 (UTC)

[Well this brings back memories. Lu Meng should get a response not too long after.]

A business proposition, huh? Sure I can meet you there.

[Lu Meng makes sure to arrive thirty minutes early. He's got a decent sized basket with him too, no doubt part of the business proposition he has for Alvin. When he sees the other man, he stands up and offers him a slight bow. The style of the bowing hasn't changed (still with the right fist clasped in the left), but for a man of Alvin's perception, he'll notice that the bow isn't as stiff or as deep as it used to be.

It's a sign of growing familiarity between the two. Which is a good thing, considering what Lu Meng is going to ask him about.]

Good day to you Alvin.

[When Alvin arrives, he's already mentally preparing for the apology he desperately owes the man for what happened back on Valentine's. He still isn't sure what happened, but doesn't matter. Along with that, he is wondering about this "business" proposition (he's oddly reminded of Yergen—especially with the formality from Lu Meng). But even so, he does notice the basket and that there is a less stiffness in the bowing. While it's the most customary way to greet in his world, he does know how to read body language in general.

He passively tucks it away in the back of his mind (a casual observation so to speak) and just raises a hand for his traditional hand wave.]

Hey, Lu Meng. [And then that raised hand goes to the side of his neck.] Listen, I know you called me out here, but I wanted to apologize to you first about what happened the other day. I have no idea what came over me back there.

[Ah ha ha that day. Well...Lu Meng clears his throat awkwardly.]

No harm done. You weren't the only one going around with declarations of friendship and romance that day. It almost seemed like a fever. Nevertheless it has passed; I am glad to see that you have returned back to your normal self.

I'm going to blame this world and its emotional instability. [SIGH.]

So, what's up?

Edited 2015-02-16 07:13 (UTC)

I'm with you there. I could do with less emotional outbursts of any kind.

How about we have the noon meal first? I've heard of a new...I believe the term is, "Cafe". According to the youths I asked, it's supposed to be quite popular among them for its food and location.

Is that right? [Well that's definitely piqued his interesting considering the business he's working on setting up. Checking out the competition and ~~stealing ideas~~ getting some inspiration is always a good thing.] Sure, let's go for it. You could probably do for a more "youthful" venue. [A teasing grin.]

[ An exasperated sigh. ]

Don't you start on that with me Alvin. I'm not that old.

Maybe not physically but mentally? You're already like an old man.

And you're still acting like a child.

[Kind of like someone else he can think of.]

I do not act like an old man either. I don't know how you even got that idea in your head.

I'll admit that I retain my youthful spirit, but I mean come on. [All right, maybe he should tackle it a different way.] What did you do when you were a teenager?

I joined the army when I was still a young lad. There wasn't much time for fun and games when the land is constantly at war. Back then Wu had yet to be united either, so we were constantly on our guard.

[More like only you, Lu Meng.]

[...Somehow, he's not as surprised as he should be.

Well, Alvin can actually relate to how Lu Meng grew up. In fact for all his actions, he himself didn't have much of a "carefree" youthful period.

But he just sighs.]

Forget about reliving youth. You never really had one. No wonder you can't tell.

[...somehow that statement irks Lu Meng. He can TOTALLY be young and hip and carefree! Just...he doesn't really want to anymore. That's a part of his life that he's turned the page on.

Cough.]

...just because I was a soldier doesn't mean that I didn't have my...wilder moments. I wasn't always in the military either.

[That's as much a hint that Lu Meng will give Alvin.]

But I don't intend to think back on those days much. Do you?

Actually no, but for entirely different reasons. [And that's about as much as he's going to get on that (and hoping Lu Meng didn't pick up too much when he was on that burst of surprising honesty spree the other day yikes).] But you can't tell me you had wild days and not share.

[SPINS IT RIGHT ON BACK.]

Of course I can. I'm not very proud of how I acted when I was young. Besides, I'm just trying to make a point that I do know what it is like to be immature, reckless and foolish.

[He raises a hand of mock surrender.]

All right, all right. I'll take your word for it. [Even if he is very interested. It's going to come up again at some point, mark his words.

By this time they had reached the cafe, so slight timeskip as they get seated and all that. Alvin looks around curious, making note of the decor. ...Yep, definite steampunk Verens. Is their table actually a giant gear cog...?]

So, what is it you wanted to talk to me about?

[To business. Lu Meng sets the basket on the cog table (yes, it is actually a giant gear cog) and lifts the flap to reveal...

...a selection of fruits!]

I remembered you mentioned that you were looking into selling fruits. Well it so happens that some of the farmers who live in hamlets far from the city are looking for help to sell their produce in the city. However, the farmers are concerned about meeting with monsters on the road to the city, and are reluctant somewhat to make the journey from their homes to here.

I thought since you were in the business, you might be interested in hearing their offer. These are some of the fruits from their orchards, they'd like you to sample them as proof of the quality of their fruits.

[His brows rise and eyes widen when he sees the fruits inside the basket. Almost instinctively he reaches in and plucks one, feeling the texture and even tossing it in the air a bit. It's not out of play, but to test the weight. It's something he learned not only with the business with Yurgen, but also the years of having to shop for himself and at times for his mother.

He then takes a knife and deftly slices out a small portion before tasting it.

...Wow.]

I recognize a few of these, but I'm guessing some are local to this place. I'm not a fruit expert, but I can definitely taste the quality. Sweet with just a hint of ripeness.

It's on par to that of Rieze Maxia.

[But now...hm.]

I'm actually kind of flattered you remembered and came to me, and I'd be all for helping them. But I actually just recently formed a partnership with with someone back home to start a café here specializing in making foods based off various recipes from our home worlds. Kind of bridging the gap through food—which I suppose isn't too different from what I was doing back home.

[He takes another slice—the fruit he has is actually pretty good so he's chewing thoughtfully.]

But I think I can still help them out so it's beneficial to both parties.

[Lu Meng leans forward slightly, hands clasped and thumbs pressed together in front of him and on the table.]

Are you suggesting to buy their fruits for your friend's cafe?

You got it. I could use their produce in our meals and help promote them. I can also talk to a few of the other restaurant owners I've been dealing with and pitch them their way, too.

It's too early to tell, but if we get off to a decent start or if they want to do it, I could probably have a small joint venture so they can sell their fruits alongside our place. The restaurant is going to be called "From the Hearth," so it would fit well with our image—and help our goal of connecting with the locals.

It would also help with improving our image with the villagers far out in the countryside. Most of them have only heard stories of us, some of which have been blown clearly out of proportion. By assisting them, we could help dispel some of those exaggerated rumours.

[He looks at Lu Meng for a moment.]

So how busy are you these days, Lu Meng?

[It's a seemingly out of the blue question, but he has his reasons.]

[That question is a bit off track. Lu Meng is a little surprised by the change in topic.]

Perhaps a little more so these days, but that's only because I have some personal matters to attend to. Why do you ask?

2/16

2/16

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RETCON TO RESTAURANT. IT IS NOW A RESTURANT

RETCON COMPLETE

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